Definately stick out the schooling if nothing else just to have the paper behind you. I speak for many in the automotive community that got into the business out of highschool or voc tech school and made good money right out of the gate for being 18-21. Which was great and wonderful until 10 years down the line when you are trying to support a family, pay the mortgage, save for retirement, build projects, save for college, ...... and you start realizing that those guys that went to college are working half as hard and making the same or more money.
Just like starting your own business- it's much easier to do when you are young and single without kids and the added expenses of life that come down the line. Even if you decide to get into the auto business in some form or another at least you have a degree to fall back on that 1) gives you a backdoor if things aren't working out, 2) in most cases justifies you a larger paycheck than the guy next to you without one, 3) all things being equal gives you the advantage when it comes to promotions. 4) gives you exposure to skills that the guy next to you doesn't have which feeds into 1-3
Good Luck!! and get that degree! You can be the one owning the cool cars instead of the one that has to work on them!
